In the market for new summer kit? If quality, performance and style are high on your agenda, this fresh ensemble from legendary Italian brand Santini warrants serious consideration.
There’s certainly no shortage of cycling kit options to choose from nowadays. That said, if quality, performance and style sit high on your agenda, this ensemble from legendary Italian brand Santini, warrants serious consideration.
Santini Bengal Unisex Pro Fit Jersey

Sheer, lightweight and perfect for the Aussie summer with a UPF 30+ sun protection rating, the Bengal Pro Fit jersey is part of Santini’s premium ‘Prodigio’ collection. It certainly looks the business with a triumvirate of classic coloured hoops across your chest. As tends to be the way with many Italian brands, the jersey sizing is a little on the tight side, so I’d strongly recommend opting for a size larger than usual. (By way of reference, I’m 178 cm, 78 kg and the XL was still quite snug.) Oozing quality, both to the eye and touch, the jersey is nice and breathable, and features long raw-cut sleeves that comfortably hug your biceps, triple rear pockets that are just big enough to carry a large smartphone and a silicone waist gripper. Also worth mentioning is the sustainable use of jersey fabrics made in Italy from recycled PET and waste yarns. The Bengal Pro Fit jersey is available in four contemporary colourways for Spring/Summer 2025: Military Green (reviewed), Nautica Blue, Orange and Vineyard.
RRP $239.95
Santini Unico Plus Nero Bib Short

Contact points can make or break any ride, none more so than your backside. With ergonomic, body-conforming padding and lightweight compression that’s firm but never tight, the Unico Plus Nero Bib Shorts are super impressive – and the ideal accompaniment to the Bengal Pro Fit jersey. Balancing high performance with even higher levels of comfort (and mercifully subtle branding) they’re made using laser-cut Italian microfibre fabrics and stitch-free thermo welded seams, along with a raw cut finish that keeps them in place without the need for tight or bulky leg grippers. Finished with sheer, stitch-free shoulder straps and Santini’s top-of-the-range C3 chamois with shock absorbing gel inserts that feel more and more comfortable the more you wear them, they’re a top option for any type of riding, but really come into their own on extended days in the saddle. Not cheap at $300+ but, trust me, your derrière with thank you. I loved them.
RRP $329.95

More information www.santinisms.com.au